The need to wake up in the middle of the night to urinate should only be an occasional disturbance, but the need to wake up multiple times, each night, is not. A common reason for the latter scenario is the inability to empty the bladder fully. Although there are many medical conditions that can be behind this problem, one thing is for certain — it should not be ignored. A failure to have this concern addressed can have several health implications.
Urinary Tract Infection
It is important to fully empty the bladder, and not just in terms of your comfort. The health of your bladder also relies on this practice. When urine frequently remains in the bladder, there is an increased risk for a urinary tract infection (UTI) to form. A UTI can cause painful urination, abdominal pain, and possibly, lead to a more concerning infection, such as an infection of the kidneys.
Bladder Muscles
Your bladder muscles are intended to sustain normal urination. However, when a person is unable to fully empty their bladder, it is common for the individual to urinate more frequently. As a result, there will be more wear and tear on the bladder muscles. Over time, this overuse can cause these muscles to weaken, which in extreme cases can make it more difficult to release urine or possibly to hold urine in the bladder. An examination by a urologist can help assess the condition of your bladder.
Bladder Stones
The inability to fully release urine from your bladder could also increase the risk of bladder stones. A bladder stone is essentially a buildup of minerals that collects inside the bladder when urine is not emptied fully. When left untreated, bladder stones can lead to discomfort, more frequent urination, and serious infection. Even if one case of stones is addressed, until the inability to fully empty the bladder is addressed, there is a risk the stones will return.
Sleep Deprivation
Again, when a person is forced to awake several times a night to urinate, it can hinder their ability to get a full night's rest. As such, sleep deprivation becomes a significant concern. Sleep deprivation can increase the risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and weight gain. An examination by a urologist can diagnose the reason for this problem so treatment can begin to lower these risks.
If you have an issue fully emptying your bladder, be sure to speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible for further examination.
For more information, contact a company like the Nashville Healthcare Center.